The quote from Joseph Heller's "Catch-22" expresses a strong disdain for authoritarian figures and outdated customs. It reflects the protagonist's frustration with those who wield excessive power without justification. The use of the extreme phrase "ought to be taken outside and shot" underscores the depth of this resentment and the extreme measures that might be contemplated in response to such oppressive authority.
This sentiment captures the essence of the novel’s critique of military bureaucracy and societal norms that hinder individual freedom. Heller's work challenges readers to question the ethics of blind obedience and the impact of outdated ideologies, emphasizing the chaos and absurdity of the situations faced by his characters.